A public town hall event hosted by U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar in Minneapolis was abruptly disrupted after a man allegedly attacked the congresswoman with a foul-smelling liquid, prompting an immediate police response.
According to authorities, the suspect approached Omar during the event and released an unknown substance, causing alarm among attendees. Security personnel and police officers quickly intervened, detaining the man at the scene before the situation escalated further.
Investigators later revealed that the suspect had sent unusual messages to a neighbor prior to the event, suggesting he anticipated being arrested. Those messages are now part of the ongoing investigation as officials work to determine intent and motivation.
Rep. Omar was not seriously injured and continued the event after the incident, emphasizing that intimidation would not deter her from engaging with the public. The suspect now faces assault-related charges.
The incident has renewed concerns about safety at political gatherings and the growing tension surrounding public officials in open forums.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.